Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

Good coverage of Montessori principles and some good use of studies to reflect on why the approach can be effective. This is great for those new to Montessori education. However the book is repetitive and has an annoying habit of continually saying this should be researched further. Some of the sources seem to be used with little critical thought, as a result in places it reads like a very one sided literature review. Even so, the actual descriptions and explanations behind a Montessori classroom are excellent and would be 4 star - i just can't get passed the repetition and the lack of inclusion of more critical material in the 'review of the evidence' sections.

I got this for someone else but they have reported back to me that this book is great it is a must read for anyone working in this area [or of course a parent]

I needed a book that is simple to read for a teacher not a textbook. It felt like a textbook, i think Montessori training books should be more like a workbook.

excellent quality and quick delivery thank you

I first tried reading this book before the start of my Montessori training (I chose AMS over AMI). I put the book aside because it was difficult to follow.I've completed my training now, and I chose to return to this book for a course assignment. It's still a dry read, basically summarizing research studies that validate Montessori principles. In all the book, I think only one study is cited whose conclusion opposed Montessori.The author knows her material well, no doubt. She's obviously an advocate of AMI. Though she never mentions AMS by name, she tries to use research findings and argument to undermine them. Readers will come away thinking anything less than AMI is deficient, but I'm still satisfied with my choice to pursue AMS training and I know many excellent schools exist beyond the AMI fold.In summary, I would suggest another book for people new to Montessori, perhaps Paula Polk Lillard's Montessori: a ModernApproach. This book is better suited for teachers or other who are very familiar with Montessori education. Even then, it's more for academic purposes or formal presentation of Montessori than a light read.

Such a great insight into the method and the science behind her philosophy. A must read for ALL MOntessori teachers and parents!

If you are interested to know a bit more what is behind the development of the Montessori Method of education this is for you.